Financially Speaking...

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. The months just go by so fast. Already 4 months into 2011 and wondering where the months went!

So, there have been some very positive changes this year. The first is that I have finally started a 401K. It is employer matched and automatically deducted from my bi-weekly paychecks. I know it is late to have started one, but, at least I did. I intend to keep it going until it is able to be deducted many years from now :-). The future is always uncertain as we know, it is good to have a cushion to fall back on.

I also have a health savings account that is employer matched. It comes in the form of a Visa card and is so easy and helpful. You can choose what you want automatically deducted from your check. If your employer does not offer this, many banks now do. It is a great way to use pre-tax dollars for health related issues that arise (like an oral surgery I just had to have Aghhhh)! You never know what is going to come up health wise, no matter how healthy you are. Think about opening one up!

Lastly, I just sold my car that I loved. Why? Well, it was purchased on my HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) which was a good move as I could deduct the interest yearly. However, it was more car than I really needed. My job now requires a great deal of car travel. Therefore, I also needed to downsize into a more fuel efficient vehicle. So, that is exactly what I did. I sold and purchased both via Craigslist. My new vehicle is older, but what a great deal I got! And the gas mileage and insurance are so much better. I immediately paid down my HELOC and it felt good! There is still a ways to go, but each month I chip away at it. I also add to a savings account and pay down any other debt as much as possible.

Just remember, with more money, you have more choices. It is a good feeling to know that you have a "rainy day" fund and other cushions should you need to "float a while".

Happy saving!

Craigslist, Garage Sales, eBay, and Thrifts....

Well, I have learned that if I wait long enough, the item I seek will appear on Craigslist. Yes, I know I am not shopping for fashion items (Boo Hoo), but, every now and then I do find something wonderful for my home! Today I found an almost new Chiminea for my back deck, and some great outdoor lawn Christmas ornaments (OK, I know it is only June, but that is the time to buy them cheaply folks)!! Everything was a steal of a price, and a fraction of retail price.

So, what I do on most Saturdays, is go garage sale and thrift shopping. I find treasures and re-sell them on Craigslist and eBay too. I have been selling on eBay for 10 years now. Listen folks, anyone can do it! I have even taught classes at the local college about it. It's not that difficult and we all could use some extra money right?! So, when I don't find something that is a keeper for me, I hunt for potential resale items. I find that baby and kid items always sell well. Also sporting goods. I mainly sell those on Craigslist. The fashion items I end up re-selling on eBay (as long as they are in excellent shape and designer names). Anyone can do this from their home! eBay has excellent beginner tutorials to learn this. Youtube has videos too. There are also tons of community forums on eBay that will help you get started. Check it out!